As they say, if you want to have the best vacation of your life visit Dubai. The land of an architectural gem, Dubai is a compelling destination one ought to visit in one’s lifetime. Full of glitter & gloss, glitz and glam, Dubai has a lot to offer to a potential explorer! It’s stunning and spectacular—everything from the culture to the ultramodern appeal and architecture.
Recently I was in Dubai for three days and I am going to tell you all how I explored the city with limited time at hand. Being in Dubai for just three days wasn’t enough and I missed a lot of touristy things to do but on the other hand, being an off-beat traveller, I explored some unconventional and some conventional places! Let’s talk about a few things you should do when you’re in Dubai!
1. Take a trip to the Palm Jumeirah
A man-made marvel in true sense. Home to the Palm Atlantis and a whole lot of luxury resorts this archipelago is aptly shaped like a palm tree leaving you stunned at things man can do. Reclaimed from the sea “The Palm Jumeirah” is definitely the most outrageous and audacious architectural attempt! Taking a trip there and experiencing the beautiful architecture including the Palm Atlantis is certainly going to be etched in your mind & heart forever!
2. Visit Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai (Eye of Dubai) is the highest observation wheel in the world beating the London Eye. It’s still under construction but is the most awaited tourist attraction of 2019 in Dubai. When there’s Dubai, there’s always something magnificently new coming up every year! It’s due to open in the first half of 2019 so if you’re planning a trip to Dubai sometime later this year, this needs to be added to your must-visit list! I was stunned to see it standing at such a staggering height promising a 360 degrees view of the entire city and its beautiful coastline.
3. Shop at The Dubai Mall
Located in the heart of downtown Dubai “The Dubai Mall” is one of the largest malls in the world and is home to the very popular Dubai Shopping Festival that happens every year. If you’re a compulsive shopper just like I am you’re going to be lost in the gamut of options the mall offers. Name it and you have it there. How can one possibly miss going here? It is said to welcome 80 million visitors every year and has an unparalleled and eclectic combination of luxury stores, entertainment, eating options, tourist attractions et al.
4. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
Said to be the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, this fountain show is going to leave you awe-struck. I never before knew and thought I would be praising a fountain show until I saw this one in Dubai. It’s unbelievably marvellous and a sight to behold. When the water, light and music come together here, magic happens!
5. Take the Desert Safari
If you did not witness the Dubai Desert, you probably missed something worthwhile. When in Dubai this has to be on your to-visit list. I literally got lost in the desert for good.
6. Experience the Dubai Frame
A relatively newer tourist attraction, the Dubai Frame is another architectural landmark in Dubai. It is said to be the biggest picture frame in the world. It’s a great piece of work as one can see the modern Dubai on one side and the old city on the other side.
7. Take a selfie with the Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world standing at a staggering height of 829.8 m. It’s a striking skyscraper that’s another level majestic and awe-inspiring. Also, the sight outside the building is to die for as people from all over the world are trying to clipictures/selfiesies from every angle, standing, sitting, lying on the floor (not kidding) trying to fit the entire building in their picture!
8. Take a drive down Shaikh Zayed Road
It’ll be a drive to remember. The road basically connects Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai and is known to be the artery and vein of Dubai. The multi-wide lanes and roads, the sparkling luxury cars on the road, the characteristic and surreal skyscrapers on both sides of the road make it a drive to remember. A journey along this road will reveal the best and finest of Dubai!
Fun Fact: Dubai Government imposes a fine of 500 Dh on unkempt and dirty cars so that citizens can keep up with the aesthetic appearance of Dubai!
Whenever I visit a new place, I love experiencing and trying some popular dishes from the city or visit the known eating joints, basically experience the local cuisine because it connects the place to their culture. With the limited time on hand, I tried some of the below mentioned and would strongly recommend you try them too!
1. Turkish ice cream
There’s no way you’re not trying it. Turkish ice cream is the most entertaining form of ice cream you’ll ever have because of the way it is served. The server is so skilled and plays with the ice cream including the cone with so much finesse and precision. The vendor’s tricks will surely leave you in dismay and will make your ice cream eating experience special.
P.S: Turkish ice cream is classically thick, has an elastic kind of texture, has resistance to melting and is chewy because of the ingredients used and hence allows the vendors to perform some never seen before tricks.
2. PF Changs
PF Chang
Dynamite Shrimps at PF Chang
This eating joint was suggested to us by one of our friends living in Dubai and I am so glad I did visit it. Located in Dubai Mall this place would serve you the best dynamite shrimps in this whole wide world. You can take my word for it. It’s a must try! The restaurant has a very warm hospitality and an extremely oriental feel & vibe besides the good food that it serves.
3. Tim Hortons
You can try the best of Canada’s very own Tim Hortons coffee in Dubai. Again, located in Dubai Mall, it’s definitely the best spot to hit any time through the day for the best coffee and some quick on the go meals.
4. The Cheesecake Factory
America’s most popular cheesecake in Dubai and one should try it. I had the best ever oreo chocolate cheesecake. It was divinely delectable.
5. Maharaja Bhog
Are you that Indian who craves Indian food in a foreign land? Well, I am certainly one of them. I was so glad to spot Maharaja Bhog—the premium vegetarian thali restaurant in Dubai! I had to have a meal there.
6. Visit a local bar
When in a foreign country, definitely experience a local bar! Sometimes it can be refreshing sometimes bizarre. I visited a local bar called The Locker Room—Golden Tulip in Dubai and sat there with my friends for a couple of drinks!
Here’s where I stayed…
The Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah—the most luxurious and high-end property in Jumeirah. The view from the hotel was to die for. I am bowled over by their extravagant hospitality and absolutely beautiful room. The balcony of my room opened up to the view of the azure blue sea with yachts and the magnificent Burj-Al-Arab! So happy I stayed at this landmark property which offered world-class amenities and some lip smacking food.
Hotel Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria Room
Hotel Waldorf Astoria Washroom
Travel Tip: If you’re on a budget and are visiting Dubai the best way is to take Metro and other means of local transport. Dubai is so well connected and this way you get to save a lot of bucks.
This was most of my Dubai trip and it made me realise and believe that nothing really is impossible! Given a chance, I would love to go back and visit the Abu Dhabi mosque, Ferrari World, Global Village, Theme Parks and do a whole lot of other touristy things!
So, when are you packing your bags and planning a trip to Dubai? Let us know in the comments section below!